A 1961 Pontiac Ventura owned by Cullman, Alabama's Ronnie Wilkinson was a show-stopper at last Saturday's Fultondale cruise-in. Wilkinson sat next to his recently restored Ventura and fielded a steady stream of questions from admirers. This was the Ventura's second trip from home since the restoration was completed. Wilkinson wasn't shy about the amount of money spent on the project. "A bunch," he said. He sold a 1958 Pontiac Bonneville to help fund the Ventura's frame-off restoration.

It's rare to see an early '60s Poncho at the local cruise-in. One with this much attention to detail quickly captured my attention as soon as I spotted it. I noted the flawless Jewel Red paint sparkling in the late afternoon sun. Paint got little mention from Wilkinson. He was quick to offer details on the enormous engine housed in his prized Pontiac. Why build a classic without some muscle? Wilkinson didn't go cheap on the engine budget on this build.

Jody PotterWilkinson's 1961 Ventura was as nice inside as it was on the outside.

Jody Potter

Jody Potter1961 Pontiac Ventura emblem

Jody PotterInterior of Wilkinson's 1961 Pontiac Ventura

Jody PotterThe trunk was slightly open.

ENGINE DETAILS, MORE Jim Butler Performance, famous for building high performance Pontiac engines, was stamped on the valve covers. The 1968, 4-bolt main, 400-cubic-inch Pontiac engine block has been bored-out to 461-cubic-inches. Butler Performance parts make up the rotating assembly and crank out 525-horsepower and 625-foot-lbs of torque. A Borg-Warner Super T-10 4-speed transmission transfers the power to the 3.42 rear posi-traction gear. Four-wheel disc brakes bring things to a stop. Inside the Pontiac, leather seats and a/c give no hint of the horsepower on tap. The Pro Comp tach and flames on the steering wheel are not so subtle clues that Wilkinson is keen on performance.

HOW MUCH YOU WANT?
Wilkinson claimed a few bugs still need to be worked out before his car is 100 percent finished. I'm glad he brought it out to share with us. Before I left I asked how much it would take to buy his 'old' Pontiac. Wilkinson said, "If somebody writes me a check for $45,000 I'd consider it." He may just get that offer.